GPs divided on free care to children under six

Many doctors are refusing to sign up to the deal (Image: Blend Images)

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

The HSE plans to give free GP care to children under six from July 1 but many doctors in Ireland are refusing to sign up to the deal.

On Thursday GPs from across the country received a letter from Health Minister Leo Varadkar telling them a “critical mass” have signed up to provide the service.

He also reminded them free health care is now a legal right for children under six but some GPs are resisting the move.

Dr Yvonne Williams from Co Clare, a member of the National Association of General Practitioners, has taken a High Court case against the HSE trying to block the reform.

She told RTE’s Morning Ireland: “The majority of GPs have rejected this contract.

“They have not signed up at the first deadline and they have not signed up when the second has approached. Our job as a union is to represent our members and many GPs who have signed have done so against their will.

Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar (Image: PA)

“Providing free GP care to healthy wealthy children is going to come at the expense of older children, sick people, children with cancer, diabetes, disability.

“If there isn’t enough money to provide GP care for the poorer half of society and for children who are sick with chronic illnesses, we shouldn’t be providing it first to children who are well.”

Dr Williams is calling on the minister to negotiate with the NAGP, which represents about half of GPs in the country.

The association warns it could also make waiting lists even longer.

But Dr Ray Walley, President of the Irish Medical Organisation, said: “In excess of 1,000 GPs have signed up.

“GPs continue to sign up and we believe that the assessment of the NAGP is incorrect.

“While the deal is not perfect, it is critical we get in there and bring more resources into general practice.

“Nobody wants to sign up other people’s patients, we have all indicated that. I envisage the majority of GPs will sign up to this.”

The HSE said it will continue to accept GPs who sign up after today’s deadline.